Head of Kalmykia calls on His Holiness the Dalai Lama

DHARAMSALA, Dec 1: The President of the Republic of Kalmykia has met with the Tibetan Spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama at the latter’s residence here in Dharamsala yesterday.

Aleksey Orlov, the Head of the Republic of Kalmykia and the Tibetan spiritual leader has reportedly spoken about the historical, cultural and spiritual affinity between the peoples of Tibet and Russia.

The Republic of Kalmykia, a constituent republic of the Russian Federation situated south of the Volga on the north-western shores of the Caspian Sea is the only region in Europe where Buddhism is the most practised religion.

During the meeting, the Dalai Lama has underlined the shared Buddhist heritage between the two countries which dates back to the 17th century and further advised the head of the Republic of Kalmykia that they should be a 21st century Buddhists and study the teachings of Buddha based on logic and investigation.

The Dalai Lama has further lauded the efforts of the Republic of Kalmykia over the drafting project of a secular ethics curriculum for schools that is presently underway and additionally encouraged the President to effectively introduce the curriculum in schools.

President Aleksey Orlov was accompanied by Representative Telo Tulku Rinpoche, Office of Tibet, Moscow at the meeting.

The head of the Republic of Kalmykia has also met with the CTA President Dr Lobsang Sangay and had an audience with the Nechung Kuten (Medium of Oracle) on Thursday.